Liverpool threaten legal action as Man Utd poach ‘electric’ winger
Liverpool are seeking comprehensive compensation from Manchester United, who recently added Isaac Konde to their youth ranks.
The Red Devils have recently announced the signing of the 16-year-old winger, adding him to Darren Fletcher’s Under-18 side. The English teenager signed a one-year scholarship with the Old Trafford outfit.
However, this won’t be the end of the matter between the two arch-rivals, explains The Sun journalists Samuel Luckhurst, Katherine Walsh, and Martin Blackburn.
Why Man Utd must pay Liverpool for Isaac Konde
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On October 22, Konde will turn 17, making him eligible to sign his first professional contract, and the source expects Man Utd to offer him a long-term deal shortly after his birthday.
But while negotiating with the young player’s entourage should be easy work for INEOS, they must also find an agreement with their historic rivals, who are entitled to receive training compensation.
The rules state that if a player under the age of 24 turns down a renewal offer and moves to another club, or signs his first professional contract, his new club must compensate his original academy.
This applies to Konde, who joined Liverpool’s youth ranks at the tender age of 9, but rejected an offer from the Merseyside club after being swayed to join the Red Devils.
The Sun insists Liverpool are requesting a multi-million payment, and if the two clubs cannot find an agreement, the Reds will take the matter to a tribunal to determine a fair figure.
Why Konde could be worth the trouble for Man Utd
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
While United are likely to lose JJ Gabriel’s services sooner or later, kudos to the club officials for not sitting idle. Instead, they retaliated by poaching several exciting youngsters.
Karim Cassim and David Eze both moved from Man City to the Red half of Manchester in recent days. The two midfielders were considered among the most exciting teenagers in the Cityzens’ youth ranks.
As for Konde, The Sun describes him as a ‘highly regarded winger with electric pace and dribbling skills’.
While the young Englishman may not be as celebrated as his younger compatriot Gabriel, he could turn out to be the real deal if he remains on the right path and patiently awaits his chance.
